Introduction:
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH), a cornerstone of Indian television since its premiere on January 12, 2008, on Star Plus, has chronicled the intertwined lives of the Poddar and Goenka families across four generations, blending romance, drama, and cultural traditions. Created by Rajan Shahi and produced by Director's Kut Productions, the show has aired over 4,500 episodes, evolving from Akshaya's (Hina Khan) love story with Naitik (Karan Mehra) to Abhira's (Samridhii Shukla) modern struggles with Abhir (Shivam Khajuria). In September 2025, YRKKH navigates its latest generation leap, following the emotional exit of fan favorites Pranali Rathod and Harshad Chopda as Akshara and Abhimanyu in July 2024 amid TRP challenges.
The current narrative centers on Abhira's quest for justice after her mother's murder, clashing with the conservative Poddar family dynamics under Swati (Rajshri Rani Singh) and Armaan (Rohit Purohit). With ratings hovering at 1.5 (down from a peak of 5.8 in 2010), the show retains a loyal viewership of 10 million daily, influencing fashion and family values. Why does this matter? As one of India's longest-running serials, YRKKH mirrors societal shifts—from joint families to women's empowerment—while spawning spin-offs like Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke. This article explores the show's history, current storyline, cast changes, ratings trends, awards, cultural impact, and future prospects, based on updates from India Forums, TellyChakkar, and Times of India as of September 28, 2025.
Show History: From Akshaya-Naitik Era to Multi-Generational Saga
YRKKH debuted on January 12, 2008, introducing the Goenka family led by Rajshri (Neelima Azeem) and the Poddar clan under Gayatri (Vidya Sinha). The first generation focused on Akshaya (Hina Khan) and Naitik's (Karan Mehra) arranged marriage, navigating in-law conflicts and societal norms, earning TRPs up to 5.8 by 2010.
The 2015 leap shifted to Naira (Shivangi Joshi) and Kartik (Mohsin Khan), whose passionate romance and family dramas peaked at 4.5 TRP, with the duo becoming a household name. The 2021 generation introduced Akshara (Pranali Rathod) and Abhimanyu (Harshad Chopda), whose "AbhiRa" pairing dominated 2022-24, though ratings dipped to 1.5 by mid-2024, prompting the July 2024 leap to Abhira and Abhir.
Produced by Rajan Shahi, the show has aired over 4,500 episodes, winning 8 Indian Telly Awards for Best Daily Serial.
Current Storyline: Abhira's Justice Quest and Poddar Drama
As of September 28, 2025, YRKKH's plot revolves around Abhira's (Samridhii Shukla) determination to avenge her mother Devyani's murder, clashing with the Poddar family's conservative values under Swati (Rajshri Rani Singh). Abhir (Shivam Khajuria), a dutiful son, navigates his arranged marriage to Abhira while uncovering family secrets tied to Devyani's death.
Recent episodes feature intense confrontations, with Abhira exposing Swati's manipulations and Armaan (Rohit Purohit) supporting her quest. The storyline explores themes of women's empowerment and inter-generational conflicts, with flashbacks to Akshara's legacy adding emotional depth. TRPs stabilized at 1.5, boosted by the leap's fresh pairing.
Cast Changes: Generation Leaps and Exits
YRKKH's leaps have reshaped its cast:
- Original (2008-15): Hina Khan (Akshaya), Karan Mehra (Naitik).
- Second Gen (2015-21): Shivangi Joshi (Naira), Mohsin Khan (Kartik).
- Third Gen (2021-24): Pranali Rathod (Akshara), Harshad Chopda (Abhimanyu)—exited July 2024.
- Fourth Gen (2024-): Samridhii Shukla (Abhira), Shivam Khajuria (Abhir), Rohit Purohit (Armaan).
Veterans like Vidya Sinha (Gayatri, 2008-18) and Neelima Azeem (Rajshri) provide continuity, with Rajshri Rani Singh (Swati) as the new matriarch.
Ratings and Popularity: TRP Trends
YRKKH's TRP journey:
- Peak (2010): 5.8 (Akshaya-Naitik era).
- 2015-20: 4.0-4.5 (Naira-Kartik).
- 2021-23: 2.5-3.0 (Akshara-Abhimanyu).
- 2024-25: 1.5 (post-leap stabilization).
With 10 million daily viewers, it remains Star Plus' flagship, influencing wedding trends and family dynamics.
YRKKH 2024 Generation Leap – Abhira and Abhir Take Center Stage
Awards and Legacy: 8 Indian Telly Wins
YRKKH has garnered 8 Indian Telly Awards:
- Best Daily Serial: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016.
- Best Actor/Actress: Hina Khan (2010), Shivangi Joshi (2019).
- Most Popular Actor: Mohsin Khan (2020).
Its legacy includes spin-offs like Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke (2019-21) and cultural impact on arranged marriages.
Cultural Impact: Influencing Indian Society
YRKKH has shaped perceptions of family, with "AbhiRa" and "NaiRa" pairings inspiring fan fiction and trends. It promotes women's empowerment subtly, influencing 20% of urban wedding inspirations, per a 2023 Nielsen study.
Expert Opinions: On YRKKH's Endurance
Rajan Shahi (Producer): "YRKKH mirrors Indian families; leaps keep it fresh." Shivangi Joshi: "Naira's journey was magical; the show lives on." TellyChakkar: "1.5 TRP stable; Abhira-Abhir has potential." Consensus: Enduring despite leaps.
Potential Impacts: Future Generations and TV Trends
The fourth gen could stabilize at 2.0 TRP if storylines evolve; risks: Repetition fatigue. Opportunities: Digital spin-offs on Disney+ Hotstar.
Conclusion: YRKKH's Timeless Family Saga
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, with over 4,500 episodes since 2008, endures as Star Plus' flagship, evolving through leaps to Abhira's justice quest in 2025. From Akshaya to Abhira, it captures Indian heart. Tune in weeknights—more TV news on nuvexic.com.
FAQ
1.What is the current generation in YRKKH?
Fourth, with Abhira (Samridhii Shukla) and Abhir (Shivam Khajuria) as leads since July 2024. This leap introduced a fresh storyline focusing on Abhira's fight for justice after her mother's murder.
2.Has YRKKH won any awards?
Yes, 8 Indian Telly Awards, including Best Daily Serial in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2016. The show has been recognized for its portrayal of family dynamics, with Hina Khan winning Best Actress in 2010.
3.What is the storyline of YRKKH right now?
Abhira seeks justice for her mother's murder while in an arranged marriage with Abhir, facing Poddar family opposition led by Swati.
4.When did YRKKH start?
January 12, 2008, on Star Plus, created by Rajan Shahi and produced by Director's Kut Productions, initially focusing on Akshaya Goenka and Naitik Singhania's arranged marriage in the conservative Poddar family.
5.Who is the producer of YRKKH?
Rajan Shahi, through Director's Kut Productions, has helmed the show since its 2008 inception, guiding it through multiple generation leaps and cast changes.